The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
